Table d'hôte

Table d'hôte

File:TABLE D'HOTE (held by) AMERICAN HOTEL (at) (BUFFALO, NY) (HOTEL) (NYPL Hades-269323-476903).jpg

A historical table d'hôte menu from the American Hotel in Buffalo, NY.

A table d'hôte (French pronunciation: ​[tabl dot]) is a menu offering a set number of courses at a fixed price. This type of menu is commonly found in restaurants and is often contrasted with an à la carte menu, where each dish is priced separately.

History

The term "table d'hôte" originated in France and translates to "host's table." Historically, it referred to a communal table in an inn or a restaurant where guests would share a meal. The concept evolved over time to represent a fixed menu with limited choices, typically offering a complete meal at a set price.

Characteristics

A table d'hôte menu typically includes several courses, such as an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The menu is predetermined by the chef and offers limited or no choices for each course. This allows for efficient preparation and service, as the kitchen can focus on a specific set of dishes.

Comparison with À la Carte

A teishoku meal, similar to a table d'hôte, featuring salt-grilled salmon.

While a table d'hôte menu offers a complete meal at a fixed price, an à la carte menu allows diners to select individual dishes, each priced separately. Table d'hôte is often seen as a more economical option, as it provides a full dining experience for a set price, whereas à la carte dining can be more expensive depending on the choices made.

Modern Usage

In contemporary dining, table d'hôte menus are popular in various settings, including formal restaurants, banquets, and special events. They are also common in cruise ship dining and all-inclusive resorts, where guests can enjoy a variety of meals without worrying about individual pricing.

Related pages

• À la carte
• Prix fixe
• Menu
• Cuisine